Roman Green Glass Bead Necklace String

With D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders to snake's heads supporting oval bezel with indented sides; later large agate intaglio engraved with a standing figure of Mars (Ares) wearing a Corinthian helmet and holding spear and shield. 12.92 grams, 26.20 mm overall, 16.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Property of a private collector; acquired before 1975.

Hollow-formed gold ring with round-section hoop and a tall oval bezel set with a black chalcedony cloison with incised image of a Dioscuros facing left, naked apart from a long fringed cape and a galea (Roman helmet), holding a large shield to his left side and with a horse to his right. 1.82 grams, 23.33 mm overall, 16.98 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 6, Europe 16, Japan 11).



From a collection of ancient rings, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12953-246354.

Modelled in the round as a belted torso and legs with tiered tasselled robes and bare feet. 128 grams, 10 cm



UK art market, 1981. Private collection, London, UK.

Adonis was the offspring of an incestuous union between Smyrna and Cinyras. As an infant, he was given by Venus (Aphrodite) to Persephone for protection, but later became an object of desire for both, resulting in a decision by Zeus that he would spend four months with Persephone, four months with Venus and four months with whomever he wished. According to mythological traditions, Adonis was killed by a wild boar during a hunt - either sent by Artemis, or Ares in disguise. Aphrodite pleaded for Adonis' life with Zeus, who allowed the youth to spend half of each year with her and half in the underworld.